ABSTRACT
Ethics does not regularly feature in health policy discussion, and while there may be exceptions to the rule, this represents an important omission. This chapter endeavours to explain the theory behind why we maintain that health policy should actively incorporate ethical perspectives, and why if this were to happen, policies would have a greater degree of social validity and effectiveness. A range of moral values manifests itself in different cultures and societies at different points in time. But this does not preclude the existence or exploration of commonly held beliefs and ethical standards. Case law had also moved forward since previous guidance on consent was issued, and the model being upheld by the courts was more patient-centered than it had been previously. Risk is a social construct and not an exact science, and if people do not take risks they are not able to lead normal, meaningful lives, so the problem effectively has to do with necessity and proportion.
